Carrying strap or harness assembly



Oct. 1, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 26, 1954 O m w QJ d w w 5% J\ 1L m 5 L i M r lmlw/ T1 m M SKJIWMM 0 arm A f M DH/HMU Q C M m/ w b Oct. 1, 1957 F. J. CHLUMSKY 2,808,138

CARRYING STRAP OR'HARNESS ASSEMBLY Filed March 26, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 rllqwllIIll!IIIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIA Ndn n Fan/t Cl Ch/umsky United States Patent 2,808,188 CARRYING STRAP on HARNES ASSEMBLY Frank J. Chlumsky, Ber-Wyn, 111., assignor to Columbia Leather Works, Berwyn, 111., a copartnership Application March 26, 1954, Serial No. 418,945 6 Claims. (Cl. 224- This invention relates to improvements in a carrying strap or harness assembly, and more particularly to a carrying strap arrangement highly desirable for supporting certain types of musical instruments during the playing of the instrument; but which also may be utilized for the carrying of other articles as well, the structure being made so that the load may be disposed upon both shoulders of the user, or only upon one shoulder, as may be desired, and the invention will have other uses and purposes as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the past, many and various types of carrying straps and harnesses have been developed, these being used for various articles, such as musical instruments, golf bags, change makers, selling trays, and many other articles. These formerly known devices were not at all times satisfactory, owing to the fact that adjustments were diflicult to make, loose strap ends were openly exposed in an unsightly manner which is highly objectionable to musicians, repairs were diflicult and worn sections could not readily be replaced, padded portions for the shoulder were not readily adjustable as to the amount of padding. In nearly all cases a tight flat strap portion rested directly upon the shoulder padding, and the strap in the padded region did not retain its shape and comfortable fit as long as is desired. In addition, formerly known straps and harnesses were not as economical as is found desirable, and they did not provide a gentle distribution of pressure, especially over the shoulders and back of the wearer, so as to eliminate to a material extent the undesirable feel of a tight harness.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an important object of the instant invention to provide a carrying strap having an extremely comfortably fitting padded shoulder portion, wherein the pull and pressure is distributed throughout a tubular portion enclosing the padding, and the uncomfortable feel of a flat load carrying strap resting directly on the padding is totally eliminated.

Another object. of the invention is the provision of a carrying strap having a padded shoulder portion so arranged that the padding itself may be readily removed, cleansed, and varied in thickness through a reasonable range, whenever desired.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a carrying strap having a soft padded shoulderportion incorporating stiffening means which maintain the strap arrangement in proper shape, and insures a broad flat shoulder contacting area at all times.

Still a further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a carrying strap or carrying harness embodying a tubular section to overlie the shoulder of a user, which section is provided with means for readily opening and closing one side thereof, whereby adequate padding may be inserted inside that tubular section.

Also an object of the invention resides in the provision of a carrying strap or the like having an adjustable connection between strap sections, and the protruding end of one of those strap sections is effectively concealed by the other section.

"It is a further object of the invention to provide an economical carrying strap or harness, so constructed that it may be utilized as a single strap assembly for engagement over one shoulder of a user, or arranged in a double strap assembly for engagement over both shoulders of the user; the double strap assembly being separable so that either single strap assembly may be utilized for purposes other than that for which the double assembly would be utilized.

'While some of the more salient features, characteristics and advantages of the instant invention have been above pointed out, others will become apparent from the following disclosures taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevational view, illustrating diagrammatically the use of a strap assembly embodying principles of the instant invention, showing the same carrying an accordion;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the structure of Fig. 1 taken from the rear thereof, to indicate the appearance of the strap assembly or harness over the back of the wearer;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary greatly enlarged central back portion of the harness seen in Fig. 2, with parts shown in section to reveal the structure therebeneath;

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially as indicated by the lines IV-lV of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially as indicated by the line VV of Fig. 3; and

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, illustrating a single strap assembly functioning for a different purpose. I 7

As shown on the drawings:

In Figs. 1 and 2 I have illustrated the instant invention in operative position for aiding a musician in carrying an accordion. This arrangement requires two individual strap assemblies, generally indicated by numerals 1 and 2,

which are connected across the back by means of a transverse strap element 3 provided with a series of perforations 4 therealong. Each of the strap assemblies 1 and 2 has two free ends, so that there will be four ends for attachment to the accordion, one high and one low attachment on eachtside of the instrument. The transverse strap element 3 prevents any danger of either of the strap assemblies slipping off the shoulder of the wearer or becoming misplaced into an uncomfortable posit-ion. Of course, With the two assemblies connected into the form of a harness, various other instrumentalities besides an accordion may be carried, such as change making devices, selling trays, garden equipment such as sprayers or planters, etc.

The strap assemblies 1 and 2 are identical. With reference now to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, it will be seen that each of these assemblies includes a tubular strap portion 5 which may be closed on one side by means of a suitable slide fastener as indicated at 6 with a sliding element 7 to open and close the slide fastening arrangement. This tubular section 5 lays over the shoulder of a user as seen clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, and the forward end thereof terminates in a closed portion 5a which is a continuation of the tubular section itself. To the end of this section any suitable attaching element as diagrammatically indicated at 8 in Fig. 1 is connected. The attaching element may very well be an extension of the tubular portion, reversely turned to form a loop held by a buckle or other equivalent. The section 5 may be of any desirable or suitable length, and at the opposite end thereof it is provided with an attaching element in the form of a reversely bent hook having a base portion 9 and a forwardly projecting tongue 10. The base portion 9 is anchored firmly to the tubular section in any suitable manner such as by a reverse fold 11 in the lower portion of the tubular section secured down to the main body of the section by stitching, cementing, or in an equivalent manner. This reverse fold, of course, has an' aperture whatever aperture may be desired in order to acquire the right length of the overall assembly, and it will be particularly noted from the showing in Fig. 3, that the protruding end portion of the strap section 12, designated 14, is totally concealed within the tubular portion 5, when the latter is closed. The opposite end of the strap section 12 may be provided with any suitable fastening element as indicated at 15 in Figs. 1 and 6, such as a reverse loop of which the free end portion is engaged by an attached buckle.

With this arrangement, it will be noted that the overall length of either assembly 1 or 2 may be adjusted at will to suit the individual user, and there is no visual indication to any but the most exact observer that two strap sections are employed rather than one individual strap section, since the end portion 14 of the strap 12 is always encased Within the tubular section 5 when the sections are properly joined together.

In order to effect a comfortable fit and feel over the shoulder of the user, the tubular section 5 is provided with a free insert 16, preferably of foam or sponge rubber, although other suitable cushioning material might be utilized. This element in the intermediate portion is of substantially the desired Width of the tubular portion so as to provide a relatively broad and flat contact with the shoulder as clearly evident from the showing in Fig. 4. Above the padding or cushioning member 16 is a stiffening element 17, also freely inserted within the pocket in the tubular section 5. This element 17 is preferably made of relatively rigid material, such as paper board, or an equivalent structure, a plastic strip being also satisfactory, and its purpose is to prevent the tubular portion 5 from laterally collapsing during use but to maintain it in the broad flat shape of Fig. 4. The stiffening member 17 is preferably slightly wider than the padding or cushioning member 16, as clearly seen in Fig. 4.

it will benoted from the above description that when the device is in use, the eifect of a flat weighted strap section pulling directly downward over the shoulder on padding disposed therebcneath, is entirely eliminated. On the contrary, the instant invention presents a soft comfortable fit over the shoulder, since thetension is on the entire tubular portion 5, both above and below'the padding 16. The tension is thus more evenly distributed, and is applied to ajmember having "the padding there inside, so that the unwelcome feel of a'definite harness is totally removed, and the strap assembly has a comfortable tailored, fit and the wearer is much less conscious of the fact that he is. actually wearing a carrying strap or harness.

It is a simple expedient to open the tubular section 5 whenever desired, adjust the length of the strap assembly, or removed the padding element 16, launder the same, replace it, or put in one or more padding elements so that the amount of padding may be selectively varied whenever desired.

When the two strap assemblies 1 and 2 are utilized in the form of a harness as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, it is a simple expedient to adjust the cross strap 3. to the desired length thereof by engaging selected apertures 4 over the respective hooks or. prongs 10fso that the right fit for the. particular user is obtained. j

-Now, .if a user has purchased the complete harness assembly including both strap assemblies 1 and 2, that user may remove one of the assemblies from its engagement with the cross strap 3, and utilize that assembly alone for carrying some other article, such as a golf bag 18 as indicated in Fig. 6. In this instance, the strap assembly may be reversed from its position of Fig. 1, in view of the fact that the article is being carried more on the back of the wearer than; in front of the wearer.

Accordingly, the instant invention may be sold as a single strap assembly, or sold as a double strap assembly with the cross strap 3, depending upon the users desires.

From, the foregoing, it isv apparent that I have provided a simple form of carrying strap arrangement which may be utilized either as an'individual strap assembly, or in the form of a harness with two identical strap assemblies, depending upon the article to be carried. Further, the entire structure is economical to manufacture, long lived, and may be readily repaired should any part become unduly worn. It is a simple expedient to replace any worn part, and any portion of the structure is readily available for adequate repairs, if necessary. Further, the

strap assembly has an exceedingly comfortable and tailored fit onthe user, and the padding may be adjusted as to thickness at will. Strap ends are concealed after adjustments in length are made so that the entire structure has a dressy appearance as well. In addition, by virtue of the construction of the instant invention, the

pull and weight of the load on the shoulder or shoulders of the user is, properly distributed so that the user is not uncomfortable at any time and in fact substantially unconscious of the fact that he is wearing a carrying strap after he becomes accustomed to it.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be eiiected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

' I claim as my invention:

1. In a carrying strap, a composite strap arrangement.

including a tubular load carrying strap section, slide fastening means closing one side of said section, connecting means at one end of said section, another strap section having attaching and free end portions and holding points spaced therealong removably held adjacent the attaching end by said connecting means and with the attaching end portion beyond the holding point extending inside said tubular section, and article attachment means on the free end of said tubular section and the free end of said other strap section.

2. In a carrying strap, a composite strap arrangement including a tubular load carrying strap section, slide fastening means closing one side of said section, connecting means at one end of said section, another strap section having attaching and free end portions and holding points spaced therealong removably held adjacent the attaching end by said connecting means and with the attaching. end

portion beyond the holding point extending inside said tubular section, article attachment means on thefree. end of said tubular section and the free end of said other strap section, and a removable layer of padding loosely disposed inside saidtubular section. V p

3. In a carrying strap, a composite strap arrangement including a tubular load carrying strap section, slide fas tening means closing one side of said section, connecting means at one end of said section, another strap section having attaching and free end portions and holding points spaced therealong removably held adjacent the attaching end by said connecting means and with the attaching end portion beyond the holding point extending inside said tubular section, article attachment means on the free end i of said tubular section and the free end of said other strap section, a layer of padding loosely disposed inside said tubular section, and a stiffening element above said padding to maintain said tubular section substantially flat.

4. In a carrying strap, a composite strap arrangement including a tubular load carrying strap section, slide fastening means closing one side of said section, connecting means at one end of said section, another strap section having attaching and free end portions and holding points spaced therealong removably held adjacent the attaching end by said connecting means and With the attaching end portion beyond the holding point extending inside said tubular section, article attachment means on the free end of said tubular section and the free end of said other strap section, a similar composite strap arrangement for the other shoulder of a user, and a cross element attached adjacent each end thereof to the connecting means of one of said arrangements.

5; In a load carrying strap, a tubular load carrying portion having attachment means at each end thereof, transmitting the load directly to said tubular portion, means for opening and closing said tubular portion along the top side thereof, removable padding inside said tubular portion, and a stiffening element in said tubular portion extending along said padding to prevent lateral collapsing of said tubular portion.

6. In a carrying strap, a tubular load carrying strap portion, means for opening and closing said strap portion References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,676,737 Zirbel Apr. 27, 1954 2,688,752 Sbarra Sept. 14, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 442,627 Great Britain Feb. 12, 1936 521,222 Great Britain May 15, 1940 527,910 Great Britain Oct. 18, 1940 667,624 Great Britain Mar. 5, 1952 

